Surgical instrument including rotating end effector and rotation-limiting structure

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument for applying tacks to tissue. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an outer tube, an end effector, a rotation assembly, and a rotation-limiting structure. The rotation assembly is configured to rotate at least a portion of the outer tube about a first longitudinal axis and with respect to the handle assembly. The rotation assembly includes a rotation knob rotationally fixed to a proximal portion of the outer tube. The rotation-limiting structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the rotation assembly and the handle assembly, and is configured to limit an amount of rotation of the outer tube with respect to the handle assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/974,371 filed on Aug. 23, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/974,338 filed on Aug. 23, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/930,770, filed on Jun. 28, 2013, and the disclosures of each of the above-identified applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments, devices and/or systems for performing endoscopic surgical procedures and methods of use thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to surgical instruments, devices and/or systems including an end effector that is able to articulate, rotate and have a limited amount of rotation.

2. Background of Related Art

During laparoscopic or endoscopic surgical procedures, access to a surgical site is typically achieved through a small incision or through a narrow cannula inserted through a small entrance wound in a patient. Because of limited area to access the surgical site, many endoscopic surgical devices include mechanisms for articulating or rotating the tool assembly or the end effector of the device.

In surgical instruments that are used to apply tacks or anchors having helical threads, for example, an additional challenge exists when attempting to rotate the end effector, as the tacks are also configured to rotate through the end effector, through a surgical mesh, and into tissue, for instance.

Accordingly, a need exists for tack-applying surgical instruments which include the ability for its end effector to articulate and rotate, while also limiting the overall amount of rotation to prevent the premature ejection of tacks and to prevent timing issues when attempting to eject tacks.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument configured to apply tacks to tissue. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an outer tube, an end effector, a rotation assembly, and a rotation-limiting structure. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a first longitudinal axis. The outer tube extends distally from the handle assembly. The end effector is disposed adjacent a portion of the elongated portion and is configured to house a plurality of tacks therein. The end effector defines a second longitudinal axis. The rotation assembly is configured to rotate at least a portion of the outer tube about the first longitudinal axis and with respect to the handle assembly. The rotation assembly includes a rotation knob rotationally fixed to a proximal portion of the outer tube. The rotation-limiting structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the rotation assembly and the handle assembly, and is configured to limit an amount of rotation of the outer tube with respect to the handle assembly.

In embodiments, the rotation-limiting structure includes at least one projection extending from a portion of the rotation knob. It is disclosed that the rotation-limiting structure includes at least one lip disposed within the handle assembly. It is further disclosed that a first projection of the at least one projection is configured to contact a first lip of the at least one lip upon a predetermined amount of rotation of the rotation knob in a first direction. Additionally, it is disclosed that a second projection of the at least one projection is configured to contact a second lip of the at least one lip upon a predetermined amount of rotation of the rotation knob in a second direction. It is also disclosed that the predetermined amount of rotation of the rotation knob in the first direction is about 45°, and the predetermined amount of rotation of the rotation knob in the second direction is about 45°.

In disclosed embodiments, the rotation knob includes a non-circular transverse cross-section, where the transverse cross-section is taken perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

It is further disclosed that at least a portion of the end effector is rotationally fixed with respect to the outer tube.

Additionally, it is disclosed that the rotation assembly is configured to rotate at least a portion of the end effector about the second longitudinal axis.

In disclosed embodiments, the surgical instrument further includes a plurality of helical tacks disposed at least partially within the end effector.

It is also disclosed that the surgical instrument further includes an articulation assembly configured to move the end effector from a first position where the second longitudinal axis is coaxial with the first longitudinal axis, to a second position where the second longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. It is further disclosed that the articulation assembly includes an articulation knob that is rotatable about the first longitudinal axis with respect to the proximal portion of the outer tube.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of applying surgical tacks from a surgical instrument to tissue. The method includes articulating an end effector of the surgical instrument from a first position where the end effector is longitudinally aligned with an elongated portion of the surgical instrument, to a second position where the end effector is disposed at an angle with respect to the elongated portion. The method further includes rotating the end effector a first amount in a first direction with respect to a handle assembly of the surgical instrument. The method further includes limiting the amount of rotation of the end effector in the first direction to a first predetermined amount of rotation, and ejecting at least one surgical tack from the surgical instrument.

In disclosed embodiments, the method further includes limiting the first predetermined amount of rotation to about 45°.

Embodiments of the method further include rotating the end effector a second amount in a second direction with respect to a handle assembly of the surgical instrument. It is disclosed that the method also includes limiting the amount of rotation of the end effector in the second direction to a second predetermined amount of rotation, and that the second predetermined amount of rotation is about 45°.

In embodiments, articulating the end effector is performed independently of rotating the end effector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, which are incorporated and constitute a part of this specification, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical anchor for use in an endoscopic surgical device in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side, elevational view of the surgical anchor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a distal, end view of the surgical anchor of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a side, elevational view, partially broken away, of the surgical anchor of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is an endoscopic surgical device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view, with a first housing half-section removed therefrom, of a handle assembly of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view, with a second housing half-section removed therefrom, of a handle assembly of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view, with a second housing half-section and trigger removed therefrom, of the handle assembly of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view, with parts separated, and with a second housing half-section removed therefrom, of the handle assembly of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pinion gear of the handle assembly of FIGS. 8-11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a button and slider of the handle assembly of FIGS. 8-11;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a bevel gear of the handle assembly of FIGS. 8-11;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view, with parts separated, of an endoscopic assembly of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the distal end of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 5 with an end effector shown separated therefrom;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 20, with an outer tube removed therefrom;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the end effector of FIGS. 20 and 21, with an outer tube separated therefrom;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the end effector of FIGS. 20-22, with an outer tube removed therefrom and with parts partially separated;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an inner tube of the end effector of FIGS. 20-23, with a plurality of anchors of FIGS. 1-4 shown separated therefrom;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view, as taken along 25-25 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view, as taken along 26-26 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view, as taken along 27-27 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the end effector of FIGS. 20-27 with a shipping wedge shown attached thereto;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view as taken through 29-29 of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view as taken through 30-30 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional, elevational view of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view as taken though 34-34 of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view as taken though 34-34 of FIG. 33;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view as taken though 34-34 of FIG. 33;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view as taken though 34-34 of FIG. 33;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view as taken though 34-34 of FIG. 33;

FIG. 42 is an enlarged elevational view of the handle assembly shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, illustrating an operation of the slider;

FIG. 43 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view the end effector and the endoscopic assembly of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 5, illustrating a first step in the decoupling thereof;

FIG. 44 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view the end effector and the endoscopic assembly of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 5, illustrating a second step in the decoupling thereof;

FIG. 45 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view an articulation knob of the handle assembly of FIGS. 5-11, illustrating a rotation thereof;

FIG. 46 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a distal end of the endoscopic surgical device illustrating an articulation of the end effector relative to the endoscopic assembly due to a rotation of the articulation knob;

FIG. 47 is an enlarged elevational view of the handle assembly shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, illustrating an operation of an audible/tactile feedback member of the handle assembly, shown in an position following an initial actuation of a trigger;

FIG. 48 is an enlarged elevational view of the handle assembly shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, illustrating an operation of the audible/tactile feedback member of the handle assembly, shown in an position following a complete actuation of the trigger;

FIG. 49 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the end effector and a distal end of endoscopic assembly, illustrating an implanting of a surgical anchor through a surgical mesh and into underlying tissue;

FIG. 50 is a perspective illustration showing the anchoring and/or fixation of a surgical mesh to underlying tissue with a plurality of surgical fasteners;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a distal end of another embodiment of an endoscopic surgical device illustrating an alternate end effector and an alternate complementary elongate body portion, wherein the end effector is shown separated from the elongate body portion;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the end effector of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 52 with an outer tube of the end effector removed therefrom;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a portion of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 51 with a proximal end of the end effector shown connected to a distal end of the elongate body portion, the elongate body portion shown in an advanced position;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a portion of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 51 with the proximal end of the end effector shown connected to the distal end of the elongate body portion, the elongate body portion shown in a retracted position;

FIG. 56 is a side, elevational view of an embodiment of a shipping wedge in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 57A is a top, perspective view of the shipping wedge of FIG. 56 with the end effector of FIG. 52 shown disposed within and coupled to the shipping wedge;

FIG. 57B is a side, cross-sectional view as taken along 57B-57B of FIG. 57A;

FIG. 58A is a top, perspective view of the shipping wedge of FIG. 56 with the end effector of FIG. 52 shown coupled to the shipping wedge and with the elongate body portion of the endoscopic surgical device of FIG. 51 being positioned within the shipping wedge relative to the end effector;

FIG. 58B is a side, cross-sectional view as taken along 58B-58B of FIG. 58A;

FIGS. 59-62 are enlarged, progressive, side, cross-sectional views illustrating the end effector being coupled and secured to the elongate body portion and removed from the shipping wedge;

FIG. 63 is a side view of a tack applier in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 64A is a proximal end view of the tack applier of FIG. 63 illustrating an end effector thereof that has been articulated, and rotated in a counter-clockwise direction;

FIG. 64B is a proximal end view of the tack applier of FIGS. 63 and 64A illustrating the end effector thereof that has been articulated, and that has not been rotated;

FIG. 64C is a proximal end view of the tack applier of FIGS. 63-64B illustrating the end effector thereof that has been articulated, and rotated in a clockwise direction;

FIG. 65 is a side view of a handle assembly of the tack applier of FIG. 64B illustrating a rotation knob that is in a non-rotated position;

FIG. 66 is a side view of the handle assembly of the tack applier of FIG. 64C illustrating the rotation knob rotated in a clockwise or first direction;

FIG. 67 is a cut-away side view of the handle assembly of the tack applier of FIGS. 64B and 65 illustrating the rotation knob in the non-rotated position of FIG. 65;

FIG. 68 is a cut-away side view of the handle assembly of the tack applier of FIGS. 64C and 66 illustrating the rotation knob rotated in the clockwise or first direction of FIG. 66;

FIGS. 69 and 69A are perspective views of portions of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 67 illustrating the rotation knob in the non-rotated position of FIGS. 65 and 67;

FIG. 69B is a cut-away perspective view taken along line 69B-69B in FIG. 69A illustrating the rotation knob in the non-rotated position;

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a portion of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 68 illustrating the rotation knob rotated in the clockwise or first direction of FIGS. 66 and 68;

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of a distal end of the tack applier of FIG. 64B showing an anchor is a distal position, and corresponding to the rotation knob being in the non-rotated position of FIGS. 65, 67 and 69;

FIG. 72 is a distal end view of a distal end of the tack applier of FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is a distal end view of a distal end of the tack applier of FIG. 64C, corresponding to the rotation knob being rotated in a clockwise direction;

FIG. 74 is a distal end view of a distal end of the tack applier of FIG. 64A, corresponding to the rotation knob being rotated in a counter-clockwise direction; and

FIG. 75 is a distal end view of a distal end of a tack applier that has been rotated beyond a predetermined amount in a clockwise direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical instrument are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein the term “distal” refers to that portion of the endoscopic surgical device that is farther from the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of the endoscopic surgical device that is closer to the user.

Non-limiting examples of endoscopic surgical devices which may include articulation joints according to the present disclosure include manual, mechanical and/or electromechanical surgical tack appliers (i.e., tackers) and the like.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4, a surgical anchor or tack for use with the surgical tack applier of the present disclosure is illustrated and generally designated as anchor 100. As seen in FIGS. 1-4, anchor 100 includes a head section 110, a mesh retention section 120, and a threaded tissue-snaring section 130. Head section 110 includes a pair of opposing threaded sections 112 a, 112 b having respective radially, outer, helical head threads 114 a, 114 b, and a pair of opposing open or slotted sections 116 a, 116 b. A distal surface of head section 110 is formed onto or integral with a proximal end of mesh retention section 120.

Mesh retention section 120 of anchor 100 extends from and between a distal end or surface of head section 110 and a proximal end of tissue-snaring section 130. Mesh retention section 120 functions to lock, anchor or otherwise retain a surgical mesh (not shown) on to anchor 100 when anchor 100 is screwed into the mesh to a depth past a proximal-most segment 138 of tissue-snaring thread 132 of tissue-snaring section 130. This is achieved because there is no thread located in mesh retention section 120 that would allow anchor 100 to be unscrewed or backed out from the mesh.

Mesh retention section 120 has a cylindrical or conical transverse cross-sectional profile. Mesh retention section 120 includes a transverse radial dimension, relative to a central longitudinal axis of anchor 100, that is smaller than a transverse radial dimension of head section 110, and smaller than a transverse radial dimension of proximal-most segment 138 of tissue-snaring thread 138.

Threaded tissue-snaring section 130 of anchor 100 includes helical threads 132 formed onto a tapered truncated body section 134. A distal point or tip 136 defines the terminus of the distal most tissue-snaring thread 132.

As seen in FIG. 4, body section 134 of tissue-snaring section 130 is tapered, i.e., becoming smaller toward the distal end of threaded tissue-snaring section 130, and terminates or truncates to a distal truncation point “TP”, prior to reaching an apex or tip of anchor 100. Body section 134 includes a concave taper such that, for a given length, a minimum diameter body section 134 is defined upon truncation thereof which is approximately less than 0.01 inches.

Anchor 100 includes a transverse dimension “D”, of a distal-most thread in the threaded tissue-snaring section 130 which is as large as design constraints will allow or approximately greater than 0.040 inches. In accordance with the present disclosure, a small truncated body diameter and a large value of “D” minimizes tissue indentation. The tissue-snaring threads 132 terminate at distal tip 136, which is distal of the truncation point “TP” of body section 134.

By providing a distal tip 136 extending distally of truncation point “TP” of tissue-snaring section 130, a penetration of the mesh, by anchor 100, is eased; and an indentation of the mesh into relatively soft tissue, by anchor 100, is minimized, as compared to an anchor having a non-truncated body with tapered threads.

For a given force applied to a surgical mesh by the surgeon, exerting a distal force on a tack applier the larger the dimension “D” of anchor 100 the less the pressure exerted to cause indentation of an underlying tissue and surgical mesh.

Anchor 100 is non-cannulated and is constructed from a suitable bioabsorbable material, such as, polylactide, polyglycolide. Anchor 100 is formed from a proprietary biocompatible co-polymer (Lactomer USS L1, Boehringer Ingelheim LR 704 S, or Boehringer Ingelheim LG-857).

Turning now to FIGS. 5-49, an endoscopic surgical device, in the form of an endoscopic surgical tack applier or tacker, is shown generally as 200. Tack applier 200 includes a handle assembly 210, and an endoscopic assembly 230 extending from handle assembly 210 and configured to store and selectively release or fire a plurality of anchors 100 therefrom and into mesh “M” overlying tissue “T”. (see FIG. 50).

As seen in FIGS. 5-14, handle assembly 210 includes a handle housing 212 formed from a first half-section 212 a and a second half section 212 b joined to one another. First half-section 212 a and second half section 212 b of handle housing 212 may be joined to one another using know methods by those of skill in the art, including and not limited to welding, fasteners (i.e., screws) and the like.

Handle assembly 210 includes a trigger 214 pivotably connected to handle housing 212, at a location remote from endoscopic assembly 230. Handle assembly 210 includes a biasing member 222 configured for maintaining trigger 214 in an extended or un-actuated position. Biasing member 222 is also configured to have a spring constant sufficient to return trigger 214 to the un-actuated position.

Trigger 214 defines a gear rack 214 a formed thereon at a location opposite or remote from the pivot of trigger 214. Gear rack 214 a of trigger 214 is configured for operative engagement with a pinion gear 216 rotatably supported in handle housing 212. Gear rack 214 a and pinion gear 216 are dimensioned such that one complete squeeze of trigger 214 results in one complete revolution of pinion gear 216.

As seen in FIGS. 7, 9, 11, 47 and 48, handle assembly 210 includes a timing system 270 associated therewith. Timing system 270 includes a raceway 214 c formed in a surface of trigger 214. Raceway 214 c defines a plurality of steps 214 d therealong, and a home position 214 e (FIGS. 9 and 48) formed therein.

Timing system 270 includes a resilient and deflectable arm 272 having a first end 272 a operative connected or disposed in raceway 214 c and that is in contact with steps 214 d as first end 272 a thereof travels around raceway 214 c. Deflectable arm 272 further includes a second end 272 b that is connected to handle housing half 212 b. Raceway 214 c of trigger is configured such that when trigger 214 is in a fully un-actuated position, first end 272 a of deflectable arm 272 is located in the home position 214 e of raceway 214 c.

In operation, as seen in FIGS. 47 and 48, when trigger 214 is in the fully un-actuated position, as mentioned above, first end 272 a of deflectable arm 272 is located in the home position 214 e of raceway 214 c. Then, as trigger 214 is actuated, first end 272 a of arm 272 rides through and/or along raceway 214 c (in a single direction) formed in trigger 214. First end 272 a of arm 272 moves uni-directionally over steps 214 d of raceway 214 c, such that, if trigger 214 is released after a partial squeeze, first end 272 a of arm 272 can not move backwards or in reverse through raceway 214 c due to steps 214 d and trigger 214 can not return to the fully un-actuated position.

As so configured and operable, and as will be described in detail below, end effector or loading unit 300 may only be removed and replaced when trigger 214 is in the fully un-actuated, home and locked position. As such, an end effector or loading unit 300 can not be removed or replaced or loaded on/in handle assembly 200 while trigger 214 is in a short-stroked condition (i.e., partially actuated).

Additionally, as first end 272 a of arm 272 moves over steps 214 d of raceway 214 c, first end 272 a of arm 272 snaps over steps 214 d and creates an audible sound/click and/or a tactile vibration for the surgeon. It is contemplated that timing system 270 includes sufficient steps 214 d in raceway 214 c so as to create an audible/tactile indication when trigger 214 is in a fully un-actuated home or lockout position (for loading/unloading end effector or loading unit 300); after trigger 214 has been fully actuated to fire a singe surgical anchor 100; and when trigger 214 is reset to the fully un-actuated home position (wherein trigger 214 may once again be locked) and ready to fire another surgical anchor 100.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 9-12, handle assembly 210 includes a pinion gear 216 having an arm 216 a extending radially therefrom and a cam or ramp 216 b extending/projecting from arm 216 a. Cam 216 b includes a front end 216 c having a height defining a shoulder, and tail end 216 d tapering into arm 216 a.

As seen in FIGS. 7-11 and 14, handle assembly 210 further includes a first bevel gear 218, in the form of a crown gear, operatively engaged/associated with pinion gear 216. First bevel gear 218 defines an arcuate slot 218 a formed in a face 218 d thereof for selectively receiving and engaging cam 216 b of pinion gear 216. Slot 218 a includes a front end wall 218 b configured to engage front end 216 c of cam 216 b of pinion gear 216, and tapers along a length thereof to be flush with face 218 d of first bevel gear 218.

In use, as trigger 214 is actuated, gear rack 214 a thereof is moved in an axial or arcuate first direction to thereby rotate pinion gear 216, meshed therewith, in a first direction. As pinion gear 216 is rotated in the first direction, front end 216 c of cam 216 b of pinion gear 216 is rotated in a first direction until front end 216 c engages or contacts front end wall 218 a of slot 218 b of first bevel gear 218. After front end 216 c of pinion gear 216 engages or contacts front end wall 218 a of slot 218 b of first bevel gear 218, continued rotation of pinion gear 216 in the first direction results in concomitant rotation of first bevel gear 218 in a first direction. At this point, first bevel gear 218 continues to rotate in the first direction so long as trigger 214 is being actuated and gear rack 214 a is moving in the first direction.

When actuation of trigger 214 is stopped, either prior to complete actuation or following complete actuation, rotation of first bevel gear 218, in the first direction, is also stopped.

Upon the completion of a partial or complete actuation of trigger 214 and a release thereof, gear rack 214 a thereof is moved in a second direction (opposite the first direction) to thereby rotate pinion gear 216 in a second direction. As pinion gear 216 is rotated in the second direction rear end 216 d of cam 216 b thereof slides along slot 218 b of first bevel gear 218, and if the rotation in the second direction is sufficient, slides out of slot 218 b of bevel gear 218 and along face 218 d of first bevel gear 218.

If trigger 214 was fully actuated, a complete release of trigger 214, and return to the fully un-actuated position, wherein first end 272 a of deflectable arm 272 is returned to the home position 214 e of raceway 214 c, will result in pinion gear 216 making a complete revolution, in the second direction, until front end 216 c of cam 216 b of pinion gear 216 clears front end wall 218 a of slot 218 b of first bevel gear 218 to thereby re-enter slot 218 b of first bevel gear 218.

As seen in FIGS. 8 and 11, handle assembly 210 of tack applier 200 is provided with a ratchet mechanism 260 which is configured to inhibit or prevent inner shaft assembly 238 from backing-out or reversing after anchor 100 has been at least partially driven into tissue. Ratchet mechanism 260 includes, as seen in FIGS. 8 and 11, a series of ratchet teeth 218 f formed on a rear surface 218 e of first bevel gear 218.

Ratchet mechanism 260 further includes a spring clip 262 secured within handle assembly 210. Spring clip 262 includes a resilient finger 262 a configured for engagement with ratchet teeth 218 f formed on rear surface 218 e of first bevel gear 218.

Each ratchet tooth 218 f includes a shallow angled side and a steep angled side. In this manner, resilient finger 262 a of spring clip 262 engages with ratchet teeth 218 f in such a manner that as first bevel gear 218 is rotated, in a first direction resilient, finger 262 a of spring clip 262 cams over the shallow angled side of ratchet teeth 218 f Also, if first bevel gear 218 is rotated in a second direction (opposite to the first direction), resilient finger 262 a of spring clip 262 stops against the steep angled side of ratchet teeth 218 f thereby preventing or inhibiting first bevel gear 218 from rotating in the second direction. As such, any reverse rotation or “backing-out” of anchor 100 or inner shaft assembly 238 (tending to cause first bevel gear 218 to rotate in the second direction), during a driving or firing stroke, is inhibited or prevented.

In an alternate embodiment, first bevel gear 218 may be maintained from rotating in the second or opposite direction, upon the rotation of pinion gear 216, in the second direction, due to a coefficient of static friction between first bevel gear 218 and a surface of handle housing 212, or a coefficient of static friction between first bevel gear 218 and a pin upon which first bevel gear 218 is supported, which will tend to maintain first bevel gear 218 stationary. Such a configuration and assembly functions as a ratchet mechanism or the like for tack applier 200.

With reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 9-11, handle assembly 210 further includes a second or pinion-bevel gear 220 having gear teeth 220 a operatively engaged or meshed with gear teeth 218 c formed at the outer radial edge and on front face 218 d of first bevel gear 218. Pinion-bevel gear 220 is secured to a proximal end of an inner shaft assembly 238 of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230 (see FIG. 15). In an embodiment, pinion-bevel gear 220 is keyed to proximal end of inner shaft assembly 238 of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230 such that inner shaft assembly 238 is capable of axial displacement relative to pinion-bevel gear 220 and is prevented from rotation relative to pinion-bevel gear 220.

In use, as described above, upon squeezing of trigger 214, gear rack 214 a thereof causes pinion gear 216 to rotate in the first direction. Rotation of pinion gear 216, in the first direction, results in rotation of first bevel gear 218 in the first direction and, in turn, rotation of pinion-bevel gear 220 in a first direction. As pinion-bevel gear 220 is rotated in the first direction, pinion-bevel gear 220 transmits the rotation to inner shaft assembly 238 of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230.

As seen in FIGS. 5-11 and 13, handle assembly 210 includes a button 240 supported on handle housing 212 and being configured to permit and inhibit actuation of trigger 214, and for effectuating a loading/retention and a release/removal of an end effector 300 to anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230. Button 240 includes a pin 240 a slidably supported in handle housing 212. Pin 240 a is oriented in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230. As seen in FIGS. 38-41, pin 240 a has a length such that when button 240 is in a first position, a first end of pin 240 a extends from a first side of handle housing 212, and when button 240 is in a second position, a second end of pin 240 a extends from a second side of handle housing 212.

As seen in FIGS. 13 and 38-41, button 240 includes a plate 240 b supported on and connected to pin 240 a. Plate 240 b defines an elongate slot 240 c therein, through which a stem 220 a of pinion-bevel gear 220 extends. Elongate slot 240 c of plate 240 b defines a major axis which is parallel relative to a longitudinal axis of pin 240 a. In use, as pin 240 a is moved between the first position and the second position, plate 240 b is moved between respective first and second positions.

Button 240 includes a first detent or recess 240 d defined in plate 240 b that is engaged by a biasing member 242 when button 240 is in the first position, and a second detent or recess 240 e defined in plate 240 b that is engaged by biasing member 242 when button 240 is in the second position. The engagement of biasing member 242 in either first detent 240 d or second detent 240 e of button 240 functions to help maintain button 240 in either the first or second position.

In an embodiment, biasing member 242 may be in the form of a plunger spring, and, as seen in FIGS. 33 and 42, in another embodiment, biasing member 242 may be in the form of a torsion spring. A torsion spring is contemplated over a plunger spring in order to reduce overall costs of surgical tacker 200.

As seen in FIGS. 8, 13, 33 and 38-42, button 240 includes a first wall 240 f extending from plate 240 b, and a second wall 240 g extending from plate 240 b. In use, when button 240 is in the first position, first wall 240 f thereof blocks or inhibits movement of a load/release slider 244, and when button 240 is in the second position, first wall 240 f thereof permits movement of load/release slider 244. Similarly, in use, when button 240 is in the second position (only achievable when trigger 214 is in a fully un-actuated or home position), second wall 240 g thereof blocks or inhibits actuation of trigger 214 by second wall 240 g extending into a notch 214 b of trigger 214; and when button 240 is in the first position, second wall 240 f is clear of notch 214 b of trigger 214 to permit actuation of trigger 214.

As seen in FIGS. 5-11, 13 and 38-42, handle assembly 210 includes a load/release slider 244 slidably supported on handle housing 212 and being configured to effectuate a loading/retention and a release/removal of an end effector 300, in the form of a single use loading unit (loading unit) or disposable loading unit (DLU), as will be discussed in greater detail below. Slider 244 includes a first stem 244 a extending proximally therefrom and toward button 240. Specifically, first stem 244 a of slider 244 is in axial registration with first wall 240 f extending from plate 240 b of button 240 when button 240 is in the first position (see FIG. 39), and out of axial registration with first wall 240 f of button 240 when button 240 is in the second position (see FIG. 41).

Slider 244 further includes a second stem 244 b extending therefrom in a direction toward inner shaft assembly 238 of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230. As seen in FIGS. 15 and 42, inner shaft assembly 238 supports a pair of axially spaced apart radial flanges 238 d, 238 e which bookend (i.e., one flange being distal and one flange being proximal of second stem 244 b).

In use, as seen in FIGS. 41 and 42, when button 240 is in the second position (wherein trigger 214 is locked in the fully un-actuated position) such that first stem 244 a of slider 244 is out of axial registration with first wall 240 f of button 240, slider 244 is free to move between a first or distal position and a second or proximal position. As slider 244 is moved from the first position to the second position thereof, second stem 244 b of slider 244 exerts a force on proximal radial flange 238 d of inner shaft assembly 238 to urge inner shaft assembly 238 proximally from a respective first position to a respective second position. It follows that as slider 244 is moved from the second position to the first position thereof, second stem 244 b of slider 244 exerts a force on distal radial flange 238 e of inner shaft assembly 238 to urge inner shaft assembly 238 distally from the respective second position to the respective first position.

In accordance with the present disclosure, as inner shaft assembly 238 is moved between the respective first and second positions thereof, inner shaft assembly 238, being connected to coupling member 238 c results in connecting member 238 c also moving between a respective first position and a respective second position.

Slider 244 may be biased to the first or distal position by a biasing member 245 (see FIG. 42).

As seen in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, 15, 17, 33-35 and 45, handle assembly 210 includes an articulation knob 246 rotatably supported on handle housing 212. Articulation knob 246 defines an inner helical thread 246 a. Inner helical thread 246 a meshingly receives or engages an outer thread 247 a of a connection nut 247 that is non-rotatably connected to proximal tube portion 234 a of inner tube assembly 234 of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230. Connection nut 247 may be keyed to articulation knob 246 so as to not rotate relative to articulation knob 246 as articulation knob 246 is rotated. Alternatively, the surgeon may manually grip a distal end of connection nut 247 (which is projecting/extending distally of articulation knob 246) as articulation knob 246 is rotated.

In use, as seen in FIGS. 45 and 46, with connection nut 247 retained against rotation about the longitudinal axis, as articulation knob 246 is rotated in a first direction, connection nut 247 travels along inner helical thread 246 a of articulation knob 246 to cause inner articulation tube assembly 234 to move in a respective first or distal axial direction; and as articulation knob 246 is rotated in a second direction, connection nut 247 travels along inner helical thread 246 a of articulation knob 246 to cause inner articulation tube assembly 234 to move in a respective second or proximal axial direction. In accordance with the present disclosure, rotation of articulation knob 246 in the respective first and second directions results in the articulating and straightening of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

Turning now to FIGS. 15, 16, 32, 33 and 42-46, as seen therein, endoscopic assembly 230 includes an outer tube 231, an outer support tube assembly 232 disposed within outer tube 231, an inner articulation tube assembly 234, and an inner shaft assembly 238. Outer support tube assembly 232 includes a proximal support tube portion 232 a secured to and extending from handle housing 212, and a distal support tube portion 232 b pivotally connected to proximal tube portion 232 a by a pivot pin 232 c (see FIGS. 15 and 16) at an articulation joint 250.

As seen in FIGS. 15, 16, 43 and 44, distal support tube portion 232 b supports a ball detent 233 in an outer surface thereof. Ball detent 233 functions to selectively secure and retain end effector 300 to endoscopic assembly 230. In use, as will be discussed in greater detail below, as seen in FIGS. 37 and 42, ball detent 233 is acted on by an outer camming surface/relief 238 c ₁ of coupling member 238 which acts on ball detent 233 to move ball detent 233 radially outward when inner shaft assembly 238 is a distal position.

Inner articulation tube assembly 234 includes a proximal tube portion 234 a concentrically and slidably disposed within proximal tube portion 232 a of outer support tube assembly 232. As seen in FIG. 33, proximal end 234 b of proximal tube portion 234 a is non-rotatably connected to connection nut 247.

Inner articulation tube assembly 234 includes an articulation link 235 having a proximal end 235 a pivotally connected to a distal end of proximal tube portion 234 a, and a distal end 235 b pivotally connected to distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232. Distal end 235 b of articulation link 235 is pivotally connected to distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 at a location offset from the central longitudinal axis of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230, in a direction substantially away from pivot pin 232 c of articulation joint 250.

In operation, as seen in FIGS. 45 and 46, upon an axial translation of proximal tube portion 234 a, for example in a proximal direction, due to a rotation of articulation knob 246 and proximal axial movement of connection nut 247 as described above, proximal tube portion 234 a acts or pulls on articulation link 235 to cause articulation link 235 to translate in a proximal direction. As articulation link 235 is axially translated in a proximal direction, articulation link 235 acts or pulls on distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 to cause distal tube portion 232 b to pivot about a pivot axis of pivot pin 232 c. As distal tube portion 232 b is pivoted, distal tube portion 232 b causes end effector 300 to be moved to an articulated orientation relative to the central longitudinal axis of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230.

It follows that upon an axial translation of proximal tube portion 234 a in a distal direction, due to a distal movement of slider 244, as described above, proximal tube portion 234 a acts or pushes on articulation link 235 to cause articulation link 235 to translate in a distal direction. As articulation link 235 is axially translated in a distal direction, articulation link 235 acts or pushes on distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 to cause distal tube portion 232 b to pivot about a pivot axis of pivot pin 232 c. As distal tube portion 232 b is pivoted, distal tube portion 232 b causes end effector 300 to be returned to a non-articulated orientation relative to the central longitudinal axis of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230.

In accordance with the present disclosure, distal tube portion 232 b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230 is pivotable in a single direction relative to proximal tube portion 232 a of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230.

With reference to FIGS. 15, 19, 32, 33 and 35-46, inner actuation shaft assembly 238 includes a proximal rigid shaft portion 238 a, a distal flexible shaft portion 238 b non-rotatably connected to and extending from a distal end of proximal rigid shaft portion 238 a, and a coupling member 238 c non-rotatably connected to a distal end of distal flexible shaft portion 238 b. Second or pinion-bevel gear 220 is non-rotatably connected to a proximal end of proximal rigid shaft portion 238 a of inner actuation shaft assembly 238. Inner actuation shaft assembly 238 is configured such that distal flexible shaft portion 238 b extends across and beyond articulation joint 250.

Desirably, coupling member 238 c is rotatably and slidably supported in distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 so as to accommodate and/or account for variations in length of distal flexible shaft portion 238 b when distal flexible shaft portion 238 b is in a flexed condition. Coupling member 238 c is substantially tongue shaped and extends in a distal direction distally from distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232. Coupling member 238 c is configured for non-rotatable connection to inner tube 338 of end effector 300, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

Distal flexible shaft portion 238 b is fabricated from a torsionally stiff and flexible material, such as, for example, stainless steel.

It is contemplated that distal flexible shaft portion 238 b may have an outer diameter of about 0.08′. Meanwhile, anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230 has an outer diameter of about 0.22′. A ratio of the outer diameter of distal flexible shaft portion 238 b to the outer diameter of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230 is about 2.8.

Inner actuation shaft assembly 238 is configured to perform at least a pair of functions, a first function relating to the securing and release of an end effector or loading unit 300 to distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 upon an axial translation thereof, and a second function relating to the firing of fasteners 100 from end effector or loading unit 300 when end effector or loading unit 300 is coupled to distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 upon a rotation thereof.

In order to prepare surgical tacker 200 for receipt of end effector or loading unit 300 or to replace a spent end effector or loading unit 300 with a new end effector or loading unit 300, as seen in FIGS. 38-44, and as mentioned above, trigger 214 must be in a fully un-actuated position. With trigger 214 in the fully un-actuated position, button 240 is moved from the first position to the second position (as described above) such that trigger 214 is prevented from actuation and such that slider 244 is free to move. With button 240 in the second position, slider 244 is moved from the first position to the second position (as described above). As slider 244 is moved to the second position, second stem 244 b of slider 244 exerts a force on proximal radial flange 238 d of inner shaft assembly 238 to urge inner shaft assembly 238, and in turn coupling member 238 a thereof, proximally from a respective first position to a respective second position. As coupling member 238 a is moved from the first position to the second position, ball detent 233 is free to drop or move radially inward of outer tube 231 as outer camming surface/relief 238 c ₁ of coupling member 238 is moved into axial registration with ball detent 233. With ball detent 233 free to drop or move radially inward, end effector or loading unit 300 may be fully coupled to distal support tube portion 232 b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230.

Once again, as mentioned above, as so configured and operable, end effector or loading unit 300 may only be removed and replaced when trigger 214 is in the fully un-actuated, home and locked position. As such, end effector or loading unit 300 can not be removed or replaced or loaded while trigger 214 is in a short-stroked condition (i.e., partially actuated).

With a new end effector or loading unit 300 fully coupled to distal support tube portion 232 b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230, slider 244 is moved from the second position to the first position to secure or lock end effector or loading unit 300 to distal support tube portion 232 b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230. In particular, as slider 244 is moved to the first position, second stem 244 b of slider 244 exerts a force on distal radial flange 238 e of inner shaft assembly 238 to urge inner shaft assembly 238, and in turn coupling member 238 a thereof, distally from second position to first position. As coupling member 238 a is moved from the second position to the first position, ball detent 233 is urged by outer camming surface/relief 238 c ₁ of coupling member 238 to move ball detent 233 radially outward. As ball detent 233 moves radially outward a portion of ball detent 233 enters an aperture 332 c of end effector or loading unit 300 to secure end effector or loading unit 300 to distal support tube portion 232 b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230. With end effector or loading unit 300 coupled to distal support tube portion 232 b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230, button 240 is moved from the second position to the first position (as described above) such that slider 244 is prevented from actuation and such that trigger 214 is free to move.

Turning now to FIGS. 5, 6, 15, 17-27, 32, 36, 37, 43, 44 and 46, end effector 300, in the form of a loading unit or DLU, is shown and will be described herein. End effector 300, as mentioned above, is selectively connectable to distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232.

End effector or loading unit 300 includes an outer tube 332 defining a lumen 332 a therethrough and being configured and dimensioned (i.e., substantially rectangular or dog bone shaped) to receive distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 and coupling member 238 c of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230 therein. As seen in FIG. 19, outer tube 332 defines a proximal key slot 332 b for engagement with a key 232 c formed in distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232. In use, when end effector or loading unit 300 is connected to distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 key slot 332 b and key 232 c engage with one another to properly align end effector or loading unit 300 and anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230 to one another.

End effector or loading unit 300 further includes a spiral or coil 336 fixedly disposed within a distal portion of outer tube 332. A pair of axially spaced apart retention rings 337 a, 337 b is also fixedly disposed within outer tube 332 at a location proximal of coil 336.

End effector or loading unit 300 also includes an inner tube 338 rotatably disposed within coil 336. Inner tube 338 defines a lumen therethrough, and includes a proximal end portion 338 a and a splined distal end portion 338 b. Proximal end portion 338 a of inner tube 338 is configured and dimensioned to slidably receive coupling member 238 c of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230 therein. Inner tube 338 includes a plurality of retention tabs 338 c projecting radially outward therefrom and which snap beyond one of the pair of retention rings 337 a, 337 b, when inner tube 338 is assembled with outer tube 332. In this manner, outer tube 332 and inner tube 338 are axially fixed and yet rotatable relative to one another.

Distal end portion 338 a of inner tube 338 is slotted, defining a pair of tines 338 a ₁ and a pair of channels 338 a ₂. Distal end portion 338 a of inner tube 338 is capable of accepting a plurality of anchors 100 within inner tube 338. In particular, anchors 100 are loaded into end effector or loading unit 300 such that the pair of opposing threaded sections 112 a, 112 b of anchors 100 extend through respective channels 338 a ₂ of distal end portion 338 a of inner tube 338 and are slidably disposed within the groove of coil 336, and the pair of tines 338 a ₁ of distal end portion 338 a of inner tube 338 are disposed within the pair of slotted sections 116 a, 116 b of anchors 100. Each anchor 100 is loaded into end effector or loading unit 300 such that adjacent anchors 100 are not in contact with one another so as to not damage distal tips 136.

In use, as inner tube 338 is rotated, about its longitudinal axis, with respect to coil 336, the pair of tines 338 a ₁ of inner tube 338 transmit the rotation to anchors 100 and advance anchors 100 distally owing to head threads 114 a, 114 b of anchors 100 engaging with coil 336.

In an operation of surgical tacker 200, as seen in FIG. 49, with end effector or loading unit 300 operatively connected to distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230, as inner shaft assembly 238 is rotated due to an actuation of trigger 214, as described above, said rotation is transmitted to inner tube 338 of end effector or loading unit 300 via coupling member 238 c of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230. Again, as inner tube 338 is rotated, about its longitudinal axis, with respect to coil 336, the pair of tines 338 a ₁ of inner tube 338 transmit the rotation to the entire stack of anchors 100 and advance the entire stack of anchors 100 distally, owing to head threads 114 a, 114 b of anchors 100 engaging with coil 336.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the components of surgical tacker 200, and anchors 100 are dimensioned such that a single complete and full actuation of trigger 214 results in a firing of a singe anchor 100 (i.e., the distal-most anchor of the stack of anchors 100 loaded in end effector or loading unit 300) from end effector or loading unit 300.

Surgical tacker 200 may be repeatedly fired to fire anchors from end effector 300 until the surgical procedure is complete or until end effector or loading unit 300 is spent of anchors 100. If end effector or loading unit 300 is spent of anchors 100, and if additional anchors 100 are required to complete the surgical procedure, spent end effector or loading unit 300 may be replaced with a new (i.e., loaded with anchors 100) end effector or loading unit 300.

As seen in FIGS. 40-44, in order to replace spent end effector or loading unit 300 with a new end effector or loading unit 300, with trigger 214 in the fully un-actuated position (as described above, the surgeon actuates or slides button 244 to release the spent end effector or loading unit 300, decouples end effector or loading unit 300 from anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230, loads or connects a new end effector or loading unit 300 to anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230 (by fitting proximal end portion 338 a of inner tube 338 over coupling member 238 c of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230), and releases button 244 to retain the new end effector or loading unit 300 on anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230. Since trigger 214 is in the fully un-actuated position with the loading of a new end effector or loading unit 300, timing system 270 is re-set such that each fully actuation of trigger 214 results in the firing of a single anchor 100.

It is contemplated that end effector or loading unit 300 may only be connected or coupled to distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230 while anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230 is in the non-articulated condition.

In accordance with the present disclosure, with end effector or loading unit 300 connected or coupled to distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230, articulation knob 246 is rotated or held in place such that anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230 is in a non-articulated condition.

Additionally, in accordance with the present disclosure, with end effector or loading unit 300 connected or coupled to distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230, end effector or loading unit 300 is introduced into a target surgical site while in the non-articulated condition. With end effector or loading unit 300 disposed within the target surgical site, the surgeon may remotely articulate end effector or loading unit 300 relative to anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230. Specifically, as seen in FIGS. 45 and 46, the surgeon rotates articulation knob 246 to axially displace connection nut 247 and proximal tube portion 234 a of inner articulation tube assembly 234 to move in the proximal axial direction. As proximal tube portion 234 a is moved in the proximal axial direction, proximal tube portion 234 a acts or pulls on articulation link 235 to cause articulation link 235 to translate in a proximal direction. As articulation link 235 is axially translated in a proximal direction, articulation link 235 acts or pulls on distal tube portion 232 b of outer support tube assembly 232 to cause distal tube portion 232 b to pivot about a pivot axis of pivot pin 232 c. As distal tube portion 232 b is pivoted, distal tube portion 232 b causes end effector 300 to be moved to an articulated orientation relative to the central longitudinal axis of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230.

Turning now to FIGS. 28-30, in accordance with the present disclosure, a shipping wedge 400 may be provided which is configured and dimensioned to releasably connect to end effector or loading unit 300, to inhibit premature rotation of inner tube 338 of end effector or loading unit 300, and to help facilitate loading/unloading of end effector or loading unit 300 to/from distal tube portion 232 b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230.

Shipping wedge 400 includes a handle portion 402 and a coupling member 404 integrally formed with or secured to handle portion 402. Coupling member 404 is substantially tubular having a substantially C-shaped transverse cross-sectional profile. Coupling member 404 defines a longitudinally extending opening or gap 404 a therealong. Handle portion 404 defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of coupling member 404.

Coupling member 404 has a diameter sufficient to accommodate end effector or loading unit 300 therein and along. Also, gap 404 a of coupling member 404 has a dimension, which together with the materials of construction of at least coupling member 404, allows for coupling member 404 to be snapped-over end effector or loading unit 300. It is envisioned that at least coupling member 404 may be fabricated from a polymeric or other substantially rigid and resilient material.

As seen in FIGS. 29 and 30, shipping wedge 400 includes a wedge, spike or nub 406 extending radially into coupling member 404. In particular, wedge 406 extends or projects in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of handle portion 402. Wedge 406 has a length sufficient such that, when shipping wedge 400 is attached to end effector or loading unit 300, wedge 406 enters an aperture 332 d (see FIGS. 19, 22, 29 and 30) formed in outer tube 332 of end effector or loading unit 300.

Additionally, when shipping wedge 400 is attached to end effector or loading unit 300, wedge 406 extends to be in close proximity to or in contact with proximal end portion 338 a of inner tube 338 of end effector or loading unit 300. By extending this amount, wedge 406 inhibits rotation of inner tube 338 relative to outer tube 332 by blocking or contacting proximal end portion 338 a of inner tube 338 if inner tube 338 experiences any rotation relative to outer tube 332.

Also, when shipping wedge 400 is attached to end effector or loading unit 300, and with wedge 406 blocking rotation of inner tube 338 of end effector or loading unit 300, shipping wedge 400 facilitates a loading/unloading of end effector or loading unit 300 to/from distal tube portion 232 b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230. During loading of end effector or loading unit 300 to distal tube portion 232 b of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230, shipping wedge 400 functions to fix an angular orientation of proximal end portion 338 a of inner tube 338 for proper alignment and orientation with coupling member 238 c of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 230.

In accordance with the present disclosure, it is contemplated that handle assembly 100 may be replaced by an electromechanical control module configured and adapted to drive the flexible drive cables to fire or actuate the surgical device. The electromechanical control module may include at least one microprocessor, at least one drive motor controllable by the at least one microprocessor, and a source of power for energizing the at least one microprocessor and the at least one drive motor.

Turning now to FIGS. 51-55, another embodiment of an endoscopic surgical device, in the form of an endoscopic surgical tack applier or tacker, is shown generally as 500. Endoscopic surgical device 500 is similar to endoscopic surgical device 200 and is only described herein to the extent necessary to describe the differences in construction and operation thereof. Likewise, another embodiment of an end effector is shown generally as 520. End effector 520 is similar to end effector 300 and is only described herein to the extent necessary to describe the differences in construction and operation thereof.

With reference to FIG. 51, endoscopic surgical device 500 includes an elongate body portion 510 and an end effector 520 (e.g., single use loading unit) that can be selectively secured to a distal end of elongate body portion 510.

Elongate body portion 510 includes an outer tube 512 and an inner actuation shaft 514 that is slidably positioned within outer tube 512. Outer tube 512 includes an inner surface 512 a and an outer surface 512 b. Inner surface 512 a defines a lumen 512 c that extends longitudinally through outer tube 512 and supports inner actuation shaft 514. Outer tube 512 defines a notch 512 d that extends between and across inner surface 512 a and outer surface 512 b in a distal end of outer tube 512. Inner actuation shaft 514 extends longitudinally through lumen 512 c between proximal and distal ends of outer tube 512. The distal end of inner actuation shaft 514 includes an engagement member 516. An arm or tab 518 extends from engagement member 516. Arm 518 defines a recess 518 a that extends at least partially therethrough.

As illustrated in FIGS. 51-53, end effector 520 includes an outer tube 522 and a splined inner tube 524 rotatably positioned within outer tube 522. Outer tube 522 includes an inner surface 522 a and an outer surface 522 b. Inner surface 522 a defines a lumen 522 c that extends longitudinally through outer tube 522 between proximal and distal ends of outer tube 522. The distal end of outer tube 522 includes a distal opening 522 d. Outer tube 522 defines an opening 522 e that extends between inner surface 522 a and outer surface 522 b in a proximal portion of outer tube 522. Splined inner tube 524 supports a spiral 336 that is fixedly disposed within a distal portion of outer tube 522 and about a pair of tines 530 of the splined inner tube 524, so that the pair of tines 530 and spiral 336 support a plurality of surgical anchors 100 that are adapted for selective advancement through end effector 520.

As can be seen in FIG. 53, splined inner tube 524 includes a coupling member 526 fixedly secured to inner surface 522 a of outer tube 522 at a proximal end thereof and includes a locking tab 526 a that extends from a proximal end of coupling member 526. As described above, splined inner tube 524 includes a pair of tines 530 at a distal end thereof and an engagement member 532 at a proximal end thereof. The pair of tines 530 includes a first tine 530 a and a second tine 530 b. First and second tines 530 a, 530 b are spaced apart and define first and second channels 530 c, 530 d therebetween that receive a portion of each of the plurality of anchors 100. Engagement member 532 includes an arm or tab 534 extending longitudinally therefrom, and a pin 536 projecting perpendicularly to arm 534.

In use, as shown in FIGS. 54 and 55, inner actuation shaft 514 of elongate body portion 510 is slidably movable relative to outer tube 512 between an advanced position (FIG. 54) and a retracted position (FIG. 55). In the advanced position, engagement member 516 of inner actuation shaft 514 is exposed or projects from outer tube 512. In the retracted position, engagement member 516 of inner actuation shaft 514 is concealed or housed within outer tube 512. More particularly, in the advanced position, arm 518 of engagement member 516 is extended such that recess 518 a is exposed for receiving pin 536 of engagement member 532.

To connect end effector 520 to elongate body portion 510, pin 536 of engagement member 532 is inserted in recess 518 a of engagement member 516 so that arm 534 of engagement member 532 is connected to arm 518 of engagement member 516. After connecting end effector 520 to elongate body portion 510, inner actuation shaft 514 can be moved to the retracted position which draws both engagement members 532, 516 within outer tube 512 of elongate body portion 510. As such, locking tab 526 a of end effector 520 is received within notch 512 d of elongate body portion 510 to prevent outer tube 522 of end effector 520 from rotating relative to elongate body portion 510 upon a rotation of inner actuation shaft 514. Additionally, engagement member 516, 532 are housed within outer tube 522 of end effector 520, thereby being inhibited from separating from one another.

A rotation of inner actuation shaft 114 rotates both engagement members 516, 532 relative to outer tubes 512, 522 and coupling member 526 to impart rotation to splined inner tube 524, and in turn, the pair of tines 530, for distally advancing the plurality of anchors 100 along spiral 336 and individually deploying each of the plurality of anchors 100 out of distal opening 522 d of outer tube 522 of end effector 520.

Turning now to FIG. 56, another embodiment of a shipping wedge is shown generally as 600. Shipping wedge 600 includes an elongate first body 610, and an angled second body 620 that extends from first body 610 at an angle relative to first body 610. More particularly, first body 610 defines a longitudinal axis “A” that extends through opposed ends 610 a, 610 b of elongate body 610. Angled body 620 defines a longitudinal axis “B” that extends through opposed ends of 620 a, 620 b of angled body 620. Longitudinal axes “A” and “B” define an angle “a” therebetween. Although shown in FIG. 56 as an acute angle, angle “a” can be any suitable angle.

Referring to FIGS. 57A and 57B, first body 610 includes a pair of opposed sidewalls 612 a that is connected at a base 612 b. The pair of opposed sidewalls 612 a defines a channel 614 therebetween to form a U-shape that is dimensioned to receive an elongate body such as elongate body portion 510 of endoscopic surgical device 500. Channel 614 extends longitudinally through first body 610. An alignment rib 616 extends between the pair of opposed sidewalls 612 a and defines a passage 616 a that extends through alignment rib 616 and separates alignment rib 616 into a pair of segments 616 b.

Angled body 620 includes a pair of opposed sidewalls 622 a that is connected at a base 622 b. The pair of opposed sidewalls 622 a defines a channel 624 therebetween to form a U-shape that is dimensioned to receive and retain an end effector, such as, end effector 520 (FIGS. 57A and 57B). Channel 624 extends longitudinally through angled body 620 such that channel 624 is angled relative to channel 614 (see FIG. 57B). Angled body 620 includes a protuberance 626 (e.g., a boss or nub) that extends from an inner surface 622 c of base 622 b. Protuberance 626 can have any suitable shape including circular and non-circular (e.g., elliptical, polygonal, etc.) shapes.

A pair of alignment flanges 618 extend from opposed sidewalls 612 a of first body 610 and opposed sidewalls 622 a of angled body 620 to form funnel configurations that facilitate proper alignment of an endoscopic surgical device such as endoscopic surgical device 500, or portions thereof, relative to shipping wedge 600. As shown in FIG. 57A, each alignment flange of the pair of alignment flanges 618 has a curvilinear arrangement that extends outwardly from channels 614 and 624.

With continued reference to FIGS. 57A and 57B, although shipping wedge 600 can be used with any suitable endoscopic surgical device, in an exemplary use with endoscopic surgical device 500, end effector 520 of endoscopic surgical device 500 is secured within channel 624 of angled body 620 (e.g., press fit). Protuberance 626 of angled body 620 is positioned within opening 522 e of end effector 520 (and/or within first and/or second channels 530 c, 530 d of end effector 520) to prevent end effector 520 from translating through channel 624 of angled body 620 and/or to prevent end effector 520, or portions thereof (e.g., outer and/or inner tube 522, 524 including the pair of tines 530), from rotating within channel 624 of angled body 620. As can be appreciated, the protuberance 626 enables end effector 520 to maintain proper timing (e.g., tack/anchor deployment timing) during shipment and/or loading processes of end effector 520. When the end effector 520 is secured within channel 624 of angled body 620, pin 536 of end effector 520 is aligned with alignment rib 616.

Referring also to FIGS. 58A-62, to remove end effector 520 from shipping wedge 600, in the advanced position of the elongate body portion 510 of endoscopic surgical device 500, elongate body portion 510 can be positioned relative to channel 614 so that the distal end of elongate body portion 510 is longitudinally aligned with alignment rib 616. More particularly, engagement member 516 of elongate body portion 510 abuts against alignment rib 616 of shipping wedge 600 to longitudinally align arm 518 of engagement member 516 with passage 616 a. Elongate body portion 510 is then inserted (e.g., press fit) into channel 614 so that arm 518 of elongate body portion 510, guided by alignment rib 616 of shipping wedge 600, moves through passage 616 a toward pin 536 of end effector 520 (FIGS. 59 and 60). As elongate body portion 510 engages end effector 520, pin 536 inserts into recess 518 a of arm 518 so that end effector 520 pivots relative to elongate body portion 510 and out of channel 624 of angled body 620 into axial alignment with elongate body portion 510 (FIGS. 60 and 61). As end effector 520 pivots out of channel 624 of angled body 620, protuberance 626 of angled body 620 separates from opening 522 e of end effector 520.

As seen in FIG. 62, with elongate body portion 510 connected to end effector 520, elongate body portion 510 can be moved to the retracted position to draw end effector 520 into engagement with elongate body portion 510 to secure the proximal end of end effector 520 within the distal end of elongate body portion 510. Endoscopic surgical device 500, including both elongate body portion 510 and end effector 520, can then be withdrawn from shipping wedge 600, while beneath alignment rib 616, and through channel 614 of shipping wedge 600 to separate endoscopic surgical device 500 from shipping wedge 600 (FIG. 62). Endoscopic surgical device 500 can then be used to perform a surgical procedure.

Referring now to FIGS. 63-75, a different embodiment of an endoscopic surgical device or tack applier is shown and is indicated by reference character 700. Tack applier 700 includes the same or similar articulation capabilities as tack applier 200, as discussed in detail hereinabove. For example, tack applier 700 includes an elongated portion or an anchor retaining/advancing assembly 710, and includes an end effector 720 that is able to articulate or pivot with respect to the first or central longitudinal axis “A-A” of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 710. In addition to these features, end effector 720 is rotatable about the central longitudinal axis “A-A” of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 710. Further, tack applier 700 is configured and adapted to limit the amount of rotation of end effector 720 along the central longitudinal axis “A-A” of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 710.

With particular reference to FIGS. 63-64C, various views of portions of tack applier 700 are shown with end effector 720 in an articulated position, and rotated in varying amounts. Initially, in FIG. 63, a side view of tack applier 700 is shown. Here, end effector 720 is in an articulated position and with no amount of rotation. With reference to FIGS. 64A-64C, proximal-to-distal or proximal end views of tack applier 700 are shown where end effector 720 is in an articulated position, and end effector 720 is shown in varying amounts of rotation along the central longitudinal axis “A-A” of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 710. Specifically, in FIG. 64A, tack applier 700 is shown with end effector 720 in a first articulated position, and rotated in a first direction (i.e., counter-clockwise). In FIG. 64B, tack applier 700 is shown with end effector 720 in the first articulated position, and without any rotation (corresponding to the position of end effector 720 shown in FIG. 63). In FIG. 64C, tack applier 700 is shown with end effector 720 in the first articulated position, and rotated in a second direction (i.e., clockwise). While each of FIGS. 64A-64C illustrates end effector 720 in a particular articulated position, tack applier 700 is also capable of rotating end effector 720 when end effector 720 is in any articulated position, including not articulated.

In use, the articulation and rotation ability of tack applier 700 is of great convenience and importance to the surgeon. For example, the ability of tack applier 700 to articulate allows the surgeon to access and apply anchors 100 up to 360° within a patient from a single location (e.g., a single access port) without having to physically move to an opposite side of the patient. The surgeon may, however, need to move (e.g., pivot) tack applier 700 with respect to the patient to achieve the 360° access. On occasion, the movement of tack applier 700 causes its handle assembly to contact the patient (e.g., a patient's leg), thus resulting in interference therebetween and thus limiting the movement of the tack applier 700. The ability to rotate the handle assembly of tack applier 700 with respect to anchor retaining/advancing assembly 710 or central longitudinal axis “A-A” allows the handle assembly to move out of the way of the patient to prevent or minimize any interference therebetween. Additionally, the ability to rotate the handle assembly of tack applier 700 enables or facilities access to various portions of the patient (e.g., toward the surgeon) without the surgeon being required to move (e.g., pivot) the tack applier 700 with respect to the patient, and without the surgeon being required to physically move their own position with respect to the patient.

Referring now to FIGS. 65 and 66, side views of a handle assembly 730 of tack applier 700 are shown in different stages as related to rotation of end effector 720. In particular, FIG. 65 is a side view of handle assembly 730 where a rotation assembly 740 is in an initial, non-rotated position. In FIG. 66, rotation assembly 740 is in its second rotated position, corresponding to the end effector 720 being rotated in the second direction (as shown in FIG. 64C, for instance).

With reference to FIGS. 67 and 68, cut-away views of handle assembly 730 of tack applier 700 are shown in different stages as related to rotation of end effector 720. In particular, FIG. 67 is a cut away view of handle assembly 730 where a rotation assembly 740 is in an initial, non-rotated position, as shown in FIG. 64. In FIG. 68, rotation assembly 740 is in its second rotated position, as shown in FIG. 66, corresponding to the end effector 720 being rotated in the second direction.

FIGS. 69 and 70 show enlarged, perspective views of portions of rotation assembly 740. In FIG. 69, rotation assembly 740 is shown in a non-rotated position, which corresponds to the orientation of rotation assembly 740 shown in FIGS. 64B, 65 and 67. In FIG. 70, rotation assembly 740 is shown in its second rotated position, which corresponds to the orientation of rotation assembly 740 shown in FIGS. 64C, 66 and 68.

Rotation assembly 740 includes a rotation knob 744 disposed proximally of an articulation knob 760. Articulation knob 760 is functionally similar to articulation knob 246 discussed hereinabove. Specifically, rotation of articulation knob 760 about the central longitudinal axis of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 710 causes the end effector 720, which defines a second longitudinal axis “B-B” (FIG. 63), to articulate or pivot with respect to the central longitudinal axis “A-A” of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 710. With particular reference to FIGS. 67-70, articulation knob 760 includes a body portion 761, a proximal extension 762 and a proximal flange 764. A longitudinal gap 766 is defined between a proximal face 761 a of body portion 761 and proximal flange 764.

Rotation knob 744 includes a first body half 744 a and a second body half 744 b (FIG. 66), which may be releasably engaged (e.g., via a screw connection, as shown). As illustrated in FIG. 69, first and second body halves 744 a, 744 b each include parts (e.g., one lateral half) forming a distal flange 746, a body portion 748, and a proximal flange 750. Additionally, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 64A and 64C, for example, rotation knob 744 is non-circular. That is, for instance, rotation knob 744 may be oval, oblong, elliptical, etc. In such embodiments where rotation knob 744 is non-circular, is may be easier for the surgeon to determine if, and how much, the end effector 730 has been rotated based on the displacement “D” between a lateral edge 745 of rotation knob 744 and a wall 731 of handle assembly 730 (see FIGS. 64A and 64C).

Rotation knob 744 is rotationally fixed to a proximal portion 802 of an outer tube 800, such that rotation of rotation knob 744 with respect to handle assembly 730 causes corresponding rotation of outer tube 800. Additionally, due to the engagement between outer tube 800 and end effector 720, rotation of outer tube 800 causes a corresponding rotation of end effector 720 along central longitudinal axis “A-A” of anchor retaining/advancing assembly 710. Rotation knob 744 may be pinned or otherwise rotationally fixed to proximal portion 802 of outer tube 800.

Rotation knob 744 is rotatable with respect to articulation knob 760. Distal flange 746 of rotation assembly 740 is configured to fit within longitudinal gap 766 of articulation knob 760 to facilitate rotation therebetween. Thus, rotation of rotation knob 744 with respect to handle assembly 730 does not cause any rotation of articulation knob 760. Likewise, rotation of articulation knob 760 with respect to handle assembly 730 does not cause any rotation of rotation knob 744.

Additionally, rotation knob 744 is rotatable with respect to an inner shaft assembly 770. As discussed in previous embodiments above, inner shaft assembly 770 is rotatable with respect to handle assembly 730 and in response to actuation of a trigger 732. A predetermined amount of rotation of inner shaft assembly 770 with respect to handle assembly 730 results in ejection of at least one anchor 100 from within anchor retaining/advancing assembly 710. Accordingly, since rotation knob 744 is rotatable with respect to inner shaft assembly 770, actuation of trigger 732 does not effect rotation of rotation knob 744 (or rotation of outer tube 800, which is rotationally fixed to rotation knob 744). Similarly, rotation of rotation knob 744 does not effect rotation of inner shaft assembly 770.

As noted above, rotation of rotation knob 744 causes corresponding rotation of outer tube 800. Additionally, a predetermined amount of rotation of inner shaft assembly 770 (and thus anchors 100) with respect to outer tube 800 causes distal advancement and ejection of anchor 100 from within end effector 720. Accordingly, and as discussed in further detail below with regard to FIGS. 71-75, if rotation knob 744 were able to rotate beyond a particular position, the rotation of outer tube 800 with respect to anchors 100 would cause at least one anchor 100 to be prematurely ejected, or may disrupt the timing of the advancement of the anchors 100 within end effector 720. Tack applier 700 of the present disclosure includes features that limit the amount of rotation of rotation knob 744, and thus outer tube 800 relative to inner shaft assembly 770 and anchors 100.

As shown in FIGS. 69-70, tack applier 700 includes rotation-limiting structure 749. Rotation-limiting structure 749 includes a first projection 752 a on proximal flange 750 of rotation knob 744 on first body half 744 a. First projection 752 a is configured to contact a first lip 735 a within handle assembly 730 upon a predetermined amount of rotation of rotation knob 744 in a first direction (i.e., clockwise, as shown in FIG. 64C) with respect to handle assembly 730. Contact between first projection 752 a and first lip 735 a prevents further rotation of rotation knob 744 in the first direction, and thus limits the amount outer tube 800 can rotate with respect to anchors 100. The locations of first projection 752 a and first lip 735 a are determined to enable a particular amount of rotation of rotation knob 744 in the first direction (e.g., between about 35° and about 55°; or approximately equal to 45°; other angles are also contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure).

Also, with particular reference to FIGS. 69A and 69B, rotation-limiting structure 749 includes a second projection 752 b, which is in the same radial orientation as first projection 752 a, on proximal flange 750 of second body half 744 b. Additionally, rotation-limiting structure 749 includes a second lip 735 b on handle assembly 730, which is in the same radial orientation as first lip 735 a. Second projection 752 b of proximal flange 750 is configured to contact second lip 735 b upon a predetermined amount of rotation of rotation knob 744 in a second direction (i.e., counter-clockwise, as shown in FIG. 64A) with respect to handle assembly 730. Contact between second projection 752 b and second lip 735 b prevents further rotation of rotation knob 744 in the second direction, and thus limits the amount outer tube 800 can rotate with respect to anchors 100. The locations of second projection 752 b and second lip 735 b are determined to enable a particular amount of rotation of rotation knob 744 in the second direction (e.g., between about 35° and about 55°; or approximately equal to 45°; other angles are also contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure).

FIGS. 71-75 further illustrate the importance of limiting the amount of rotation of outer tube 800 with respect to anchor 100. A distal portion of outer tube 800 includes a spiral or coil 810 disposed therein. Coil 810 is rotationally fixed with respect to outer tube 800. As discussed above, rotation of inner shaft assembly 770 with respect to outer tube 800 and coil 810 causes anchors 100 to rotate and advance distally due to the engagement between head threads 114 a, 114 b of anchors 100 and coil 810.

The position of anchor 100 with respect to coil 810 is shown in FIGS. 71 and 72 when outer tube 800 has undergone no rotation. As shown, no portion of coil 810 is interfering with axial movement of the distal-most anchor 100. Here, a first distance or first arc length “AL1” is provided between an end 811 of coil 810 and an edge 115 a of head thread 114 a. An angle “β1” is associated with first arc length “ALL” and is equal to about 60°. Other angles are also contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. As shown in this configuration, there is clearance between end 811 of coil 810 and edge 115 a of head thread 114 a, thus allowing anchor 100 to translate distally.

FIG. 73 illustrates the position of anchor 100 with respect to coil 810 when outer tube 800 has been rotated clockwise with respect to anchor 100 (see FIGS. 64C, 66, 68 and 70). Here, outer tube 800 has been rotated about 45° with respect to the initial position shown in FIGS. 71 and 72, resulting in a second distance or second arc length “AL2” being defined between end 811 of coil 810 and edge 115 a of head thread 114 a. An angle “β2” is associated with second arc length “AL2,” and is equal to about 10°. Other angles are also contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. As shown, after this amount of rotation, no portion of coil 810 is interfering with axial movement of the distal-most anchor 100.

FIG. 74 illustrates the position of anchor 100 with respect to coil 810 when outer tube 800 has been rotated counter-clockwise with respect to anchor 100 (see FIG. 64A). Here, outer tube 800 has been rotated about 45° with respect to the initial position shown in FIGS. 71 and 72, resulting in a third distance or third arc length “AL3” being defined between end 811 of coil 810 and edge 115 a of head thread 114 a. An angle “β3” is associated with third arc length “AL3,” and is equal to about 105°. Other angles are also contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. As shown, after this amount of rotation, no portion of coil 810 is interfering with axial movement of the distal-most anchor 100.

FIG. 75 illustrates a situation of what would occur if outer tube 800 were rotated about 90° in a clockwise direction with respect to anchor 100. (As discussed above, tack applier 700 of the present disclosure is intentionally unable to rotate this amount.) In such a situation, after this amount of rotation, an end portion 812 of coil 810 is disposed proximally of head thread 114 a of distal-most anchor 100, and thus interferes with axial movement of the distal-most anchor 100. Here, the timing of the ejection of anchor 100 is compromised since a complete actuation of trigger 732 would result in anchor 100 not fully being released from tack applier 700, and the same anchor 100 being partially within tissue. As a result, anchor 100 may be stuck within tissue and stuck in the thread or coil 810 of tack applier 700, for example. Additionally, if outer tube 800 were rotated about 90° in a counter-clockwise direction, the timing of the ejection of anchor 100 is also compromised since anchor 100 would be fully released from tack applier 700 prior to a complete actuation of trigger 732. The tack applier 700 of the present disclosure, however, includes rotation-limiting structure 749 that limits the rotation of outer tube 800 with respect to inner shaft assembly 770 and anchor 100, thus not hindering the timing of the ejection of anchor 100 from tack applier 700.

As can be appreciated, securement of any of the components of the presently disclosed devices can be effectuated using known fastening techniques such welding, crimping, gluing, etc. For example, it is envisioned that outer tube 800 and coil 810 can be a single component made from thread rolling.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended thereto. 

1. A surgical instrument configured to apply tacks to tissue, the surgical instrument comprising: a handle assembly; an elongated portion extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a first longitudinal axis; an outer tube extending distally from the handle assembly; an end effector disposed adjacent a portion of the elongated portion and configured to house a plurality of tacks therein, the end effector defining a second longitudinal axis; a rotation assembly configured to rotate at least a portion of the outer tube about the first longitudinal axis and with respect to the handle assembly, the rotation assembly including a rotation knob being rotationally fixed to a proximal portion of the outer tube; and a rotation-limiting structure disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the rotation assembly and the handle assembly, and configured to limit an amount of rotation of the outer tube with respect to the handle assembly.
 2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the rotation-limiting structure includes at least one projection extending from a portion of the rotation knob.
 3. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein the rotation-limiting structure includes at least one lip disposed within the handle assembly.
 4. The surgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein a first projection of the at least one projection is configured to contact a first lip of the at least one lip upon a predetermined amount of rotation of the rotation knob in a first direction.
 5. The surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein a second projection of the at least one projection is configured to contact a second lip of the at least one lip upon a predetermined amount of rotation of the rotation knob in a second direction.
 6. The surgical instrument according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined amount of rotation of the rotation knob in the first direction is about 45°, and wherein the predetermined amount of rotation of the rotation knob in the second direction is about 45°.
 7. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the rotation knob includes a non-circular transverse cross-section, wherein the transverse cross-section is taken perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
 8. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the end effector is rotationally fixed with respect to the outer tube.
 9. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the rotation assembly is configured to rotate at least a portion of the end effector about the second longitudinal axis.
 10. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of helical tacks disposed at least partially within the end effector.
 11. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, further comprising an articulation assembly configured to move the end effector from a first position where the second longitudinal axis is with coaxial the first longitudinal axis, to a second position where the second longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis.
 12. The surgical instrument according to claim 11, wherein the articulation assembly includes an articulation knob, the articulation knob being rotatable about the first longitudinal axis with respect to the proximal portion of the outer tube.
 13. A method of applying surgical tacks from a surgical instrument to tissue, the method comprising: articulating an end effector of the surgical instrument from a first position where the end effector is longitudinally aligned with an elongated portion of the surgical instrument, to a second position where the end effector is disposed at an angle with respect to the elongated portion; rotating the end effector a first amount in a first direction with respect to a handle assembly of the surgical instrument; limiting the amount of rotation of the end effector in the first direction to a first predetermined amount of rotation; and ejecting at least one surgical tack from the surgical instrument.
 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising limiting the first predetermined amount of rotation to about 45°.
 15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising rotating the end effector a second amount in a second direction with respect to a handle assembly of the surgical instrument.
 16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising limiting the amount of rotation of the end effector in the second direction to a second predetermined amount of rotation.
 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising limiting the second predetermined amount of rotation to about 45°.
 18. The method according to claim 13, wherein articulating the end effector is performed independently of rotating the end effector. 